SST-28B Huntsman Torpedo
| SST-28B Huntsman | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Heavyweight dual-purpose torpedo |
| Place of origin |  Belfras |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1986-present |
| Used by | Federation Navy see operators |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Federation Naval War Institute |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lb)+ |
| Length | 6.25 metres (20.5 ft) |
| Diameter | 533 millimetres (21.0 in) |
| Maximum firing range | +50 nautical miles (93 km) |
| Warhead weight | 350 kilograms (770 lb) |
Detonation mechanism | Proximity or contact detonation |
| Engine | Gas turbine w/ pump-jet propulsor |
| Speed | +80 knots (92 mph) |
Guidance system | Active and passive sonar, wire-guided |
The SST-28B Huntsman Torpedo is a heavyweight torpedo developed by the Federation Navy to serve as a dual-purpose weapon for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Initially conceived in 1982 and entering service in 1986, the Huntsman was designed to address the growing need for a versatile, high-performance torpedo capable of operating in diverse maritime environments. Its advanced propulsion system, guidance capabilities, and robust warhead make it a cornerstone of the Federation’s naval arsenal.
The Huntsman was developed as a replacement for outdated torpedo systems that lacked the performance needed to counter modern submarine and surface combatant threats. Drawing from extensive research and operational experience, the Federation Navy designed the SST-28B to provide a balanced solution that combines high speed, precision, and reliable guidance. These capabilities have made it a versatile and dependable weapon across multiple theaters of operation.
One of the torpedo’s standout features is its propulsion system, which uses a gas turbine engine to power a pump-jet propulsor. This configuration allows the Huntsman to achieve speeds exceeding 50 knots while maintaining a low acoustic signature. This balance of speed and stealth ensures that the SST-28B can engage its targets effectively, even in contested environments.
The guidance system of the SST-28B is equally advanced, featuring both active and passive sonar modes. Active sonar allows the torpedo to locate and track targets with precision, while passive sonar enables it to detect targets based on their acoustic signatures. This dual-mode capability makes the Huntsman effective against both quiet submarines and high-speed surface vessels. Additionally, the torpedo can be wire-guided, allowing operators to maintain control and make mid-course corrections during its run.
The Huntsman’s warhead is a high-explosive design optimized for maximum effect against submarines and surface combatants. The warhead’s delayed-action fuse ensures penetration before detonation, delivering devastating damage to critical systems. This effectiveness has been demonstrated in numerous operational scenarios, solidifying the SST-28B’s reputation as a reliable and lethal weapon. Another mode for it's engagement is below-detonation, where the torpedo detonates under the vessel to create an pressure bubble, forcing surface ships to break their back.
The SST-28B’s durability and operational reliability were key priorities during its development. Constructed from corrosion-resistant materials, the torpedo is built to withstand the harsh conditions of undersea warfare. Its simple yet robust design minimizes maintenance requirements, ensuring high availability for deployments.
Despite being introduced in 1986, the SST-28B has undergone periodic upgrades to maintain its effectiveness in modern naval engagements. These upgrades include improvements to its sonar processing capabilities and propulsion efficiency, allowing the torpedo to remain competitive against evolving threats. The Huntsman’s adaptability ensures that it continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Federation Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities.
Design
The design of the SST-28B Huntsman Torpedo reflects the Federation Navy’s focus on creating a high-performance, reliable weapon for undersea and surface warfare. At 6.25 meters (20.5 feet) in length and 533 millimeters (21 inches) in diameter, the Huntsman conforms to standard heavyweight torpedo dimensions, ensuring compatibility with existing launch systems.
Central to the Huntsman’s capabilities is its propulsion system, which utilizes a gas turbine engine to drive a pump-jet propulsor. This propulsion system provides the torpedo with exceptional speed and maneuverability, enabling it to reach speeds of over 80 knots. The pump-jet design minimizes cavitation, reducing the torpedo’s acoustic signature and making it difficult for enemy forces to detect and counter.
The guidance system is another critical aspect of the SST-28B’s design. Equipped with both active and passive sonar, the torpedo can operate autonomously or under operator control via a wire-guided system. Active sonar enables precise targeting by emitting sound waves and analyzing the echoes, while passive sonar detects targets based on the noise they produce. This dual-mode capability ensures that the Huntsman can effectively engage a wide range of targets.
Wire guidance enhances the torpedo’s operational flexibility by allowing operators to adjust its course mid-run. This feature is particularly valuable in dynamic combat scenarios, where targets may attempt evasive maneuvers or deploy countermeasures. The wire guidance system ensures that the SST-28B remains on course, even in challenging conditions.
The Huntsman’s warhead is a 250-kilogram high-explosive charge, specifically designed to penetrate the hulls of modern submarines and surface ships. The delayed-action fuse ensures that the warhead detonates after penetrating the target’s outer defenses, maximizing its destructive effect. This capability makes the SST-28B highly effective against heavily armored targets. The warhead is also multi-mode, enabling for this delayed-action fuse to penetrate the vessel, to detonate under surface ships to create a pressure bubble, forcing the ship out of the water and to break it's back, and to detonate within proximity to a target.
The torpedo’s hydrodynamic design minimizes drag, enhancing its speed and range. The streamlined shape, combined with the pump-jet propulsion system, allows the Huntsman to achieve a range of over 50 nautical miles (93 km). This extended reach ensures that the torpedo can engage targets at significant distances, keeping its launch platform safely out of harm’s way.
The torpedo and its low acoustic signature and advanced sonar systems provide it with a natural defense against enemy detection and interception. The torpedo’s ability to operate at varying depths further enhances its survivability, allowing it to exploit the underwater environment to evade countermeasures.
Constructed from corrosion-resistant alloys and composite materials, the Huntsman is designed to endure the rigors of maritime operations. Its robust construction ensures reliability and minimizes the need for frequent maintenance, making it a dependable asset for extended deployments.
In terms of operational feedback, the Huntsman has been praised for its simplicity and reliability. Naval crews have highlighted its ease of maintenance and straightforward operation, which contribute to its high availability and effectiveness in combat situations. These attributes have cemented the SST-28B’s reputation as a reliable and versatile weapon system.
The Huntsman’s design remains relevant decades after its introduction, thanks to periodic upgrades that enhance its performance and maintain its competitiveness in modern naval warfare. These upgrades ensure that the SST-28B continues to meet the evolving needs of the Federation Navy, providing a capable and dependable solution for undersea and surface warfare.